|
|
|
The East Wall of Bolton Priory Church was built in 1877 to replace the old wall erected in 1539 following the dissolution of the Priory. It was decorated about 1890 by a local artist, Thomas Bottomley. His signature and that of his apprentice, R A Greenwood, have been found painted unobtrusively amongst the foliage.
The paintings are shown in the photograph below. By selecting an area you will be given a description of that part of the painting.
The Madonna Lily
There are 5 panels within the painting, each containing a slightly different
image of a Madonna Lily. There refer to the Priory's dedication to St Mary,
'The Madonna'.
Return to painting----------->
Barley
In John's Gospel, Chapter 6, Jesus describes Himself as 'the bread of life',
source of strength and vitality to His followers. In the celebration of the
Eucharist, we are especially aware of bread as His body, given for us on the
Cross.
Return to painting----------->
Olive
In His agony and fear before arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prayed among the
olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Olive oil was also used for anointing,
and 'Christ' means 'The Anointed One' - set apart for God's purpose of redemption.
Return to painting----------->
Vine
In John's Gospel, Chapter 15, Jesus said 'I am the vine; you are the branches'
describing how His spirit should flow through the body of His followers, helping
them to bear fruit.
Return to painting----------->
Passion Flower
This is a traditional folk-symbol of Christ's suffering on the Cross; the flower
has three 'nails' and a 'crown of thorns'.
Return to painting----------->
Rose
The thorny bramches represent the crown of thorns, worn by Jesus at the Crucifixion,
and the red roses symbolise the spots of blood on the dying Christ's forehead
Return to painting----------->
Palm
This plant recalls the short-lived triumph of Jesus' ride into Jerusalem on
Palm Sunday. As the palm is a symbol of victory, however, it also signifies
His lasting triumph over death and sin, and thus is an appropriate ending for
this sequence
Return to painting----------->
 |
The Priory Cross Derived from the arms of the Earls of Albermarle, early patrons of the Priory. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Angel
The Angel is the symbol of St. Matthew, from the vision of the four beasts in the Revelation of St. John the Divine. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Chi-Rho The first two letters of the Greek word for Christ - XPISTOS - linked together in a monogram. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Lion The symbol of St. Mark, from the vision of the four beasts in the Revelation of St. John the Divine. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Crossed Keys The symbol of St. Peter, on whom Christ founded His Church, giving to him 'the keys of heaven and of hell.' |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Paschal Lamb The symbol of the Resurrection, the lamb is the animal of sacrifice but carries a flag of victory. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Star of David Jesus was born in the City of David (Bethlehem) and was 'of the house and lineage of David.' |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Ox The symbol of St. Luke, from the vision of the four beasts in the Revelation of St. John the Divine. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
IHS The monogram of the first three letters in Greek for Jesus - IHSOY. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Eagle The symbol of St. John, from the vision of the four beasts in the Revelation of St. John the Divine. |
Return to painting----------->
 |
Alpha and Omega Monogram of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, recalling Jesus' words in the Revelation of St. John, 'I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.' |
Return to painting----------->
---------------------> Return to Top of Page
